Detention ordeals under fire

October 23 2002By Meaghan ShawCanberra

Long periods in detention, perceived ill-treatment and a lack of information about visa applications were adding to the mental health problems of detained asylum seekers, the Human Rights Commissioner has said.

Commissioner Sev Ozdowski said many problems in immigration detention facilities were significantly heightened by prolonged detention and, in a report released yesterday, he recommended that the Migration Act be amended to impose specific time limits.

He said authorities responsible for detention must ensure minimum human rights standards, including the right for asylum seekers not to be arbitrarily detained, to have access to information and legal assistance, to be treated humanely, and for children to receive special protection.

"I have observed that if detainees are deprived of their basic rights, a situation of distress, anxiety and grievance is created, which all too often results in the protests and violence we have seen over the previous year," he said.

Dr Ozdowski wrote the report in August after visiting immigration detention facilities over the past year. He said some detainees had not been fully informed of the progress of their asylum applications or their right to legal assistance, had no access to telephones or media reports, had poor access to education, slept in overcrowded houses, and were treated with little respect.");document.write("